Although called
the Dead-Sea this sea and the whole region on
its shore is very much alive. The Dead Sea lies some 400
m below sea level at the lowest point on the earths
surface, and is part of the Syrian Africa Rift Valley,
flanked by the Judean Mountains to the west and the Moab
Mountains to the east.

Many
fascinating figures from the pages of history have been
attracted to this regionThrough the ages, desert dwellers
and nomad sought refuge here in caves, . monasteries and
palaces. Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt.
Jesus was baptized here. The secretive Essene sect left
us the Dead Sea Scrolls near here. Herod built his
mountain fortress at Masada. Canaanite Kings. Prophets of
the old Testament, the new Testament and the Koran.
Cleopatra, who came here to enjoy the beauty-enhancing
properties of the natural springs.

(click for
enlargement)

The Masada

It was in this natural and
spiritual ambience that our cultural history had its
genesis.

The Dead Sea is one of the most
saline lakes in the world. It is fed mainly by the River
Jordan in the north and by perennial springs and streams
from the east and west.

Having no outlet, the Dead Sea
is a terminal lake which loses huge amounts
of water by evaporation into the hot dry air.

This results in high concentrations of salts and minerals
in a unique composition that is particularly rich in
chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, and
various other.

(click
for enlargement)

The
main climatic features and factors at the Dead Sea -
which relevant to theraphy- are:

The composition, intensity and stability
of solar radiation at the Dead Sea combine to create
ideal conditions for heliotherapy.

Low relative
humidity, high temperatures and low rainfall

The low relative humidity, high air
temperatures and low rainfall are important
biometrological factors. The climate of the Dead Sea is
dry and hot during the summer months. In the winter
months, maximum air temperatures reach 20c-32c and
minimum temperatures do not usually drop below 10c.Average annual rainfall is about 50
mm, with clear, sunny skies for about 330 days a year.Instead of receiving treatment at a
conventional clinic during the cold months of European
winter, patients can benefit from treatment at the Dead
Sea a warm sun in carefree environment.

The Dead Sea -
Climatic Factors
(measured at Sodom)

High
barometric pressure

Located 400 m below sea level,
the Dead Sea has the worlds highest recorded barometric
pressure (800 mm Hg). The oxygen-rich air along the Dead
Sea contains 6-8% more molecules per cubic meter compared
to sea level. As shown by Kramer et al, these arebeneficial conditions for patients with
end lung disease.

Barometric Pressure (mbar)- Israel Standard Time

Pollen free and bromine rich
atmosphere

Another important factor at the
Dead Sea is the pollen-free atmosphere. The air along the
shores of the Dead Sea contains high concentration of
bromine (20 times higher than in Jerusalem, for example).
Bromine has a recognized tranquilizing effect, and is
therefore regarded as beneficial in reducing nervous
tension.Shani et al, found that the serum
bromine level of people working outdoors was
significantly higher in comparison to indoor workers in
the Dead Sea area, apparently due to the high level of
the air bromine.

The
water of the Dead Sea

As stated earlier, the Dead Sea is a
terminal lake which receives its inflow from the Jordan
River in the north. This has produced one of the saltiest
lakes in the world with an average salinity of 345g. of
salt per liter of water, compared with the ocean 35g. per
liter.The water has a high specific
gravity and great buoyancy, making it easy to flow on its
surface.

The brine of the
Dead Sea contains a unique array of salts, enriched with
Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride, Sodium and
Bromide.

Comparison
of Major Elements in the Dead Sea ,(the
Mediterranean sea and Typical ocean Water)*Measurment are in mg/l

Pelothrapy
Dead Sea Mineral Mud

Dead Sea mud is actually sediment of the
sea. Also called pelloid, mineral-rich mud has proved
highly beneficial for therapeutic as well as cosmetic
treatments.

Psychological
influence

Patients at the Dead Sea find themselves
in an environment which helps to promote relaxation and
reduce the stress which is often to the onset aggravation
of disease. patients are encouraged by the large number
of fellow sufferers, and much of the social
strain alleviated by normalization patients social life.